Gedicht op de dood van boekverzamelaar Isaac Gosset 1813 - 1819

This is "The Tears of the Booksellers," a poem created by an anonymous artist in memory of Isaac Gosset, a renowned book collector. The poem is a lament from the booksellers' perspective, mourning the loss of a key figure in their trade. The elegy uses wit to reflect on the economics of the book trade. Gosset was known for keeping the prices high. His death is mourned because the booksellers fear they will not be able to get as much money for the books that they sell. The poem reflects the historical and cultural importance of books, not just as sources of knowledge but also as commodities. The initials "D.M." at the top stand for "Deo Memoriae," meaning "to the memory of God." The urn at the bottom symbolizes mourning and remembrance, reflecting the emotional connection people have with books and the world of collecting. It gives us a glimpse into the intimate relationship between collectors, booksellers, and the cultural value of the written word.